The Study of Microstructures and Tensile Properties of an <i>In Situ</i> A356-ZrB₂ Metal Matrix Composite

Abstract

A composite containing A356 Al alloy as matrix and ZrB2 particles was made in an induction furnace by mixing Al-15Zr and Al-8B master alloys with Zr:B weight ratio of 9:2. The microstructures and tensile properties of the extruded composite were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis before and after T6 heat treatment. XRD results showed the presence of ZrB2 phase in the microstructure. Tensile test results showed an increase in ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation values of the extruded composite in comparison with the matrix alloy. Further investigation showed an increase in UTS, but reduction in elongation values of the composite after T6 heat treatment.

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“…The tensile properties of A360 al alloy or ZrB2 particles for metal matrix composites. Industrial investigations are widely used for the latter method because of its netshape forming capability or low cost [23]. In situ reinforced aluminium-based metal matrix composites using master alloys as reinforcement materials and attempted to explore the characterization or processing.…”